Since 2007, San Diego Gas & Electric reports it has invested about $1 billion of ratepayer dollars into fire safety.
And it’s going to spend about $3 million more as the current fire season reaches its most deadly months, as dry conditions raise the chances of wildfire ignition.
The investor-owned utility announced Wednesday a host of new safety measures to help make sure ratepayers in its service territory across San Diego County and a portion of Orange County are better prepared for wildfire emergencies.
“With only 3 inches of rain in the last year, it’s dry out there so it’s important we continue to look for ways to mitigate the threat of wildfires,” said Caroline Winn, SDG&E chief operating officer.
The largest water-dropping helitanker in the country, the Erickson Aircrane holds 2,650 gallons of water or fire suppressant — about five times what one fire engine can carry.